A Monarch resting in our garden. photo credit: IWRussell
Echinacea Purpurea aka Purple Cone Flower (in my Tiny Garden) photo credit: imani w. russell
TRAVEL, MAKE & MEND are on the agenda this Summer. Looking forward to new Discoveries, Inspiration, and Creative Evolution. Many Thanks to my collectors, supporters, and the art venues that host my work. I am Grateful. Wishing you the best of Health & Joy this Summer season. See you soon. CHEERS!
Certainly the slaves understood better than anybody that to be able to love blackness in a white world they had to create images—representations of their world that were pleasing to the sensibilities and to the eye. So they made quilts and dolls and all kinds of images that gave them a loving mirror of blackness to look into and be renewed. — bell hooks., sisters of the yam.
WORK IN PROGRESS. Cotton, Silk, Tull, Embroidery, Coffee dye, metal, stones, hand stitched base and quilted garments…
quilt dress detail
MOTHER’S DAY SALUTATIONS
RECENTLY VISITED A LIFE LONG FRIEND IN ARIZONA AND ON DISPLAY WERE MANY OF MY ART DOLLS SHE’S COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS. THESE WERE MACHINE STITCHED CIRCA 2000. love them and so does she.
planting time is here.
QUITE TIME IN THE SUN. 2022. Hand Stitched, Reclaimed fabrics. SOLD - The Winget Collection.
INDIGO’S FRIENDS WALL ART COLLAGES ARE ON EXHIBIT FEBRUARY 1 - MARCH 25, 2022 @ GREENBELT ART GALLERY @ the Community Center, GREENBELT, MD. * Schroeder & Imani will lead workshops at the Greenbelt Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 6 (1-3pm) The workshops are free and all are welcome. You must wear a mask in this environment.
Through March 23, 2022, INDIGO’S FRIENDS Art Dolls are the Featured Window Exhibit at BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE in Brentwood, MD. In an array of shapes, textures, and colors, these works are displayed in a manner that overlooks the gallery’s current Powerful and Thought provoking exhibit, BEFORE AND STILL by Nekisha Durrett (through 2/26/22).. Call for a private tour @ 301.277.2863 or Email Brentwood Arts Exchange
winter, in the northern hemisphere, has returned. welcome.
most of our holiday collection moved to new homes. many thanks to our collectors & new friends for their patronage.. we are excited for the new year with two concurrent exhibitions in early jan. - march 2022 and an inaugural project launch in may. please stay tuned. in the meantime, stay healthy, hydrated, & curious. see you soon. imani & indigo’s friends
ENJOY THE SEASON
Pineapple mint in my Tiny Garden - in full bloom. A warm December.
Nomad (2021) reclaimed fabrics - 10”h - free standing. Available @ Brentwood Arts Exchange. 3901 RI Ave. Brentwood, MD 20722. M-F 10-7p. Sat. 10-4p ph. 301.277. 2863
Throw Back. This art doll, Gullah Griot, is about 3’ L. The form is made with dioponi silk and her linen clothing, dyed in pinks and purples, are partially machine stitched. Her purple locs are composed of sheep’s wool. A beauty. Off she went to a collector upon completion ; - )
circa 2012 - FLIGHT - Machine & Hand stitched quilt - The Dangerfield Collection - Arlington, VA
Rejuvenating.
East Hampton, NY Late Summer 2021
photo credit: I W Russell
Found this post on Pinterest and pinned it to my TEXT board. it’s been a great reminder these past months when my nerves get frazzled and sleep eludes me. When I tune into the WHY, this head space centers me. As does my tiny garden & free style stitch. Depending on the moment, one or some is more effective than others. Grateful.
A collage page from one of several quilted fabric journals. Color, texture, placement, stitch, repeat. Who cares about perfection, just make it. Express yourself ;-)
Composing my F/W 2021-22 Art Doll Collection for Brentwood Arts Exchange.
Exclusive design for BAE .12”. Free standing, hand stitched, natural fabrics, mixed media.
The evolution of my approach: Sourcing materials from flea markets and second hand shops had often been my first step. However, over the years I’ve accumulated a bountiful stock of fabrics and finds. Presently, my annual hunt for resources is more refined. If I don’t have what I need on hand I’ll alter the surface of the fabric in some way or modify my vision to achieve my goal. One of the objectives of up-cycling is a no-waste approach. Fabric textures and colors, travel experiences, farms, gardens, historical and current events can stimulate my ideas. I usually connect most of those ideas to the culture of Gullah in a fictional or non-fictional manner. Rarely do I sketch a design in detail; just a few notes. The composition may change as I go through the process but the objective remains.
6 - page cloth journal. Reclaimed natural fabrics. Hand stitched. A wonderful tactile experience. 12”x 12” (2020)
Work in progress: gradations of yellow and a variety of thread thickness embroidered on cotton damask - 24” x 36”
STITCHED ALCHEMY
Photo design by John Paradiso, Curator Artistic Director of Portico Gallery & Studios - Gateway Arts District - Brentwood, MD
Click the link below for highlights of the exhibition.
Art doll in cashmere. About 12” Freestanding. Available at Brentwood Arts Exchange. Brentwood, MD 20722 Monday - Friday 10-7p Saturday 10-4 ph. 301-277-2863